Duluth, Minnesota – A sharp burst of midwinter cold is marking the start of 2026 across northern Minnesota, with New Year’s Day shaping up as one of the coldest days of the week and light snow adding to slick travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, temperatures today and Friday remain at their coldest point of the period, with daytime highs largely stuck in the teens across the Northland. Duluth, Hibbing, Ely, and International Falls all see similar cold, while wind chills make it feel even harsher during the morning and evening hours. Light snow is possible today, with accumulations generally under an inch.
Snow chances return at multiple points through the weekend. Light snow may develop again Saturday morning, though accumulations are expected to stay minimal. A more organized system arrives Sunday, bringing the potential for half an inch to several inches of snow in parts of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Forecasters note that confidence is higher for measurable snow Sunday compared to earlier periods.
Road conditions may become slippery during any snow, especially on untreated highways and rural roads. MnDOT advises drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions during snow bursts.
Despite the cold start, a gradual warming trend begins this weekend and continues into early next week. Highs climb closer to seasonal levels by Sunday and push even milder by Monday, offering some relief after the frigid opening to the year.
Residents are encouraged to dress in layers, limit prolonged outdoor exposure during the coldest periods, and monitor updates as the Sunday snow system approaches. Additional advisories could be issued if snow totals trend higher.
